The Alento Products
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the integrated shelf design of The Alento affect the total heat output compared to standard flat rails?
The integrated shelf significantly increases the surface area of the Alento Stainless Steel Towel Rail, which directly enhances convective heat output. The horizontal bars on the shelf trap rising warm air, creating a pocket of heat that dries folded towels much faster than vertical hanging alone. This design allows the 1450mm model to achieve a high output of approximately 1508 BTUs at Delta T50.
What are the specific wall projection requirements for installing this rail with the top shelf?
Installation planning is critical for The Alento because of its top shelf. The wall distance (projection) is between 245mm and 255mm. Unlike standard rails that sit 100mm from the wall, you must ensure this deep projection does not interfere with opening doors, shower enclosures, or vanity mirror cabinets positioned above the rail.
Can The Alento be converted to a dual fuel system despite the shelf configuration?
Yes, The Alento is fully compatible with Dual Fuel conversion. You would install a standard electrical element or a thermostatic element into one of the bottom vertical uprights using a T-piece. The shelf section is hydraulically connected to the main body, so the heated water or thermal fluid will circulate through the shelf naturally via convection when the electric element is active.
What grade of stainless steel is used and how does it prevent corrosion in wet zones?
The Alento is manufactured from AISI 304 grade stainless steel. This technical grade contains a high percentage of chromium and nickel, creating a self-healing passive oxide layer on the surface. This makes the rail impervious to rust and flaking, even in high-humidity "Zone 2" bathroom areas where standard chrome-plated mild steel radiators often fail.
How do I bleed air specifically from the horizontal shelf section of the rail?
Air locks can sometimes occur in the highest point of a radiator. The Alento typically features an air vent (bleed valve) located at the top of the vertical collectors or on the shelf manifold itself. If the shelf feels cold while the bottom is hot, turn off the heating pump, use a radiator key to open the top bleed screw, and allow air to escape until a steady stream of water flows, ensuring the shelf fills completely.
Does the heavy shelf design require special wall fixings or brackets?
Yes, due to the leverage exerted by the projecting shelf and the weight of solid stainless steel, The Alento is heavier than standard rails (up to 14kg empty). You must use the supplied heavy-duty brackets and ensure they are secured into solid masonry or timber studs. fixing into plasterboard alone using standard rawl plugs is not recommended for this cantilevered design.
Why is the 530mm width dimension critical for retrofitting this towel rail?
The 530mm width is a specific size often used to replace older standard radiators. However, you must check your existing pipe centers. The Alento has pipe centers of approximately 500mm. If your existing pipes are set wider or narrower, you may need to alter the underfloor pipework or use "radiator valve extensions" to bridge the gap without stressing the valves.
What is the difference between the 'Polished' finish and standard Chrome plating?
The Polished Finish on The Alento is achieved by mechanically buffing the raw stainless steel until it is mirror-smooth. It is not a coating. This is technically superior to chrome plating because there is no surface layer to peel or chip off. If the surface gets scratched, it can technically be polished out, whereas a scratch on a chrome rail would lead to rust.
Which valve orientation is required for the bottom connections of The Alento?
The Alento uses standard bottom-entry connections. If your central heating pipes emerge from the wall, you should use Angled Valves or Corner Valves for a neat finish. If your pipes come up from the floor, you will need Straight Valves. Given the rail's modern aesthetic, matching polished stainless steel or chrome valves are recommended.
Does the 25 Year Manufacturer Guarantee cover leaks at the weld points of the shelf?
Yes, the 25 Year Guarantee specifically covers manufacturing defects, including the integrity of the TIG welds connecting the shelf to the uprights. Stainless steel welding fuses the metal at a molecular level, creating a joint as strong as the pipe itself. The guarantee assures that these joints will withstand standard operating pressures (usually up to 10 bar) without leaking.